Tell My Angel (Big East Music, 2000)

Nashville-area musician Kenny Meeks has spent the last few years working with talented folks like Chris Knight, Buddy Miller and Sixpence None the Richer. Here Meeks shows he's damn talented himself, with 10 tracks that are much country as they are blues as they are soul as they are rock and roll.

This is a laid back affair that goes for the heart of the various kinds of music influencing it and not for the flash.Meeks is a strong songwriter and has a wonderfully soulful voice that cuts deepest on songs like "One Way Avenue" and the very Staxy "Too Much Love," one of three songs where Julie Miller provides background vocals. Sixpence members Leigh Nash and Dale Baker also appear.

In his bio, Meeks compares his musical mix to chili. This doesn't quite fill you up. But a good cook always leaves you wanting to come back for more. (Kenny Meeks, E-Mail: kennymeeks@hotmail.com)